Nick's Guide to Great Writing!

Basically, there are three types of descriptions for our purposes:

• simple, business-like
• complex, technical, and
• complex, narrative.

The second type is one we might expect to find in a chemical lab report or a patent application, and the third one in a novel or story. We may address those at a later date, but for this lesson we will look at the first type, as it applies to business writing.

This type can be used for several things, although it is most often used in catalogs and purchase orders. In these cases it is very important to be clear and specific in what is offered or needed; a small error or omission may lead to a product being delivered which is not wanted. This could result in a waste of time and money!

You should be careful to think of all the terms which separate it from a nearly similar but unacceptable alternative. Product name, size, number, quantity, accessories, color, and other descriptive elements may be necessary to ensure a correct and accurate description. .